14 DAY TRIAL // I've written about lots of robots, most of which leave much to be desired, either because they're too early in development or just don't bring anything new to the tablet. Every once in a while, though, I stumble upon something really hilarious.
The Droidles are this month's bringers of hilarity: little 3D printed robots that talk in chimes and bops, like a certain Star Wars astromech. The Droidles also have the ability to “recognize” others of their own kind and make friends.
Essentially, they are small, interactive robots, kind of like pet rocks only without the whole “we're inanimate” thing going for them.
A man by the name of Jay Hurley invented the Droidles, but he worked until he turned them into an open source initiative.
The little robots don't need you to take care of them, but they can connect to each other via the cloud. Also, creators, tinkers, and other device makers can modify the Droidles if they so wish. Maybe we’ll see them evolve into smarter creatures if enough people get involved with them, who knows?
The Solid Concepts PolyJet HD 3D printing technology was used to make the Droidles (more precise than PLA FDM printing). Each one sells for $89 / €66 via Indiegogo, and they will ship by Christmas if the funding goal of $50,000 / €37,249 is reached.
